Councillors today (Wednesday 14 December) approved the commencement of preparatory work for the first phase in the transformation of Aberdeen’s beachfront.
A report on the short-term intervention stage of Beach Masterplan - which will focus on developing an urban park, an events park and new landscaping and structures on Broadhill - was considered in the full Council meeting and councillors agreed that officers should progress with all relevant statutory consents required ahead of works commencing.
Councillors also instructed officers to begin early discussions with the Planning Authority ahead of submitting applications and that a Full Business Case (FBC) be reported to Council in August 2023.
Councillors also agreed a motion by Council Co Leader, Councillor Ian Yuill, to include cycle lanes as part of the first phase interventions.
The report followed a six-week period of public engagement and consultation, including engagement with children and young people, on the proposals, for which the majority of respondents were in favour.
Proposals for the urban park include a play park, sports area and pump track, canopies and now a cycle track while the events field is planned be home to an amphitheatre, events field and hub building.
Broadhill will be re-landscaped and include new structures from which the revamped beach area can be viewed.
Council Co Leader, Councillor Alex Nicoll, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to agree these important steps towards making the first phase of the Beach Masterplan a reality.
“Having such a fabulous stretch of beach on our doorstep is a real asset to the city. It is vitally important that we do everything we can to enhance the immediate area to make our seafront the envy of other cities and a place where local people and visitors alike will want to return to again and again.”
Fellow Co Leader, Councillor Ian Yuill, said: “Our aim is to make the beach area a fantastic public realm with multiple outdoor facilities and a welcoming landscape that will play host to events and become an attraction in its own right, as well as being a gateway to the sands and sea.
“Today is an important milestone in the process and we look forward to continuing to drive forward with our plans for transforming the beach area for the enjoyment of everyone.”